Question -should I be a hitter or a swinger?

[golfquest]

I have a question for the moderators. I am 66 years old, have had several operations such as quadruple bypass, and loss of a portion of large intestine, (I hardly ever sick, but when I do its a doesy), and as to flexibility, the nurse who was checking out after the heart operation, said 'Sir, I have been doing this flexibility exam for 11 years and never measured anyone with zero flexibility before. I not nearly as strong as once was due to partly 40 some years behind the desk. My swing speed is roughly around 77 mph. I provide this info, to ask, should I work on being a hitter or a swinger? Please don't tell me to go to horseshoes, I love the game of golf. Thanks for your time and love this forum. Stan

[Bagger Lance]

Hi Stan - A warm welcome from one of the board admins. Your question is a loaded one but I'll take a stab at it. I'm not sure what zero flexibility means, but perhaps you can work with our resident fitness expert Vickie in our fitness forum to help define what is, and what is not.

Homer Kelley made a broad statement that if you are strong then hit, if you are quick then swing. I wouldn't think of those in the extreme but rather guidelines based on your feelings about capabilities. In every case, you will make the golf stroke within your physical capabilities.

I have observed that it is easier for someone less flexible to HIT rather than SWING. It is primarily because there isn't as great a range of motion and YOU control the entire motion, rather than let the weight of the clubhead pull you, or more accurately you pull it.

That's my two cents, and I'm certain you can find improvement in your game here. Thanks for the kind words and let's get started on your G.O.L.F journey.

Bagger

[YodasLuke]

I would second that motion and recommend that hitting would seem the likely option. I've had many take lessons from me with the same problems, open heart and the whole nine yards.
The rotational forces found in swinging are not for the less flexible. There have been some really good questions and answers posted in the hitters emergency room. Maybe, you should take a look.
Let me know if I can give you any additional help.